Gene activity in the human placenta from first trimester to birth using single-nucleus RNA sequencing
Cellular Transcriptomic Trajectory of the Human Placenta During Pregnancy
This project will use single-nucleus RNA sequencing to see how genes are turned on in placental cells from early pregnancy through delivery for women having chorionic villus sampling and those delivering at Port‑Royal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Paris, IDF) |
| Trial ID | NCT06427408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study collects chorionic villus biopsy samples between 11 and 15 weeks and placental tissue at delivery from women followed at Port‑Royal Maternity. Samples are snap-frozen and processed for single-nucleus RNA‑seq using 10x Genomics to preserve syncytiotrophoblast structure and profile cell-type–specific gene expression. State-of-the-art computational analyses will be used to reconstruct cellular trajectories and cell-to-cell communication across gestation. Each first-trimester participant is followed through delivery to link early placental gene signatures with pregnancy outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 18–50 with a singleton pregnancy between 11 and 15 weeks who are undergoing chorionic villus biopsy for genetic testing and plan to deliver at Port‑Royal Maternity are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are minors, have multiple pregnancies, are under guardianship or curatorship, lack health insurance, object to participation, or do not plan to deliver at Port‑Royal are not eligible and would not benefit from enrolling.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve understanding of placental biology and help identify markers that predict or explain complications such as preeclampsia.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptomic approaches have been applied successfully to placental tissue, but longitudinal paired sampling from first trimester to term using single-nucleus RNA‑seq is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 50 * Progressive monofoetal pregnancy between 11 and 15 weeks of amenorrhea * Patient with prenatal medical indication and requesting chorionic villus biopsy with cytogenetic analysis or molecular genetics * Patient scheduled for delivery at Port-Royal Maternity Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Minor patient * Multiple pregnancy * Patient's objection * Without health insurance * Patient under guardianship or curatorship
Where this trial is running
Paris, IDF
- Maternité Port-Royal, Cochin hospital — Paris, Idf, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hélène COLLINOT, MD — Aphp
- Study coordinator: Vassilis TSATSARIS, MD PHD
- Email: vassilis.tsatsaris@aphp.fr
- Phone: 00331 58 41 38 71
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.